Catholic Bishops’ Conference leader blasts PAGCOR over online gambling
The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Cardinal Pablo David, has strongly criticized gambling regulator PAGCOR for promoting online gambling, describing it as a contributor to gambling addiction.
In a statement posted on social media, David said PAGCOR had gone beyond its mandate by positioning itself as a driver of online gaming activity.
The statement reads, “PAGCOR is violating its own charter. Can you imagine a government agency now acting as the biggest pusher of online addiction? All forms of online gambling should be outlawed!”
The Cardinal urged legislators and citizens to take action, calling for a total ban on digital gaming platforms. He also said that he hoped individuals would petition the Supreme Court for a temporary restraining order against PAGCOR-accredited gambling websites.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference has been a constant critical voice on gambling.
In recent weeks, David has warned that the accessibility of online platforms makes gambling more pervasive, exposing younger audiences and those outside traditional casinos.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference reiterated that online gambling represents what it described as a “deep and pervasive moral problem” concealed under the guise of entertainment and technology.
PAGCOR functions both as a state-run regulator and operator of most licensed gaming in the Philippines, however, it is due to divest itself of its game operation business next year.
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